Mark Hughes believes it is only a matter of time that Jack Butland will step up as England number one, even if he missed out this time around.

England boss Gareth Southgate opted to stick with Joe Hart for World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia – insisting no one had yet played to a level in the early season to change his mind, despite Hart’s struggles with new club West Ham.

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“He’s coming off a long term injury and maybe people want a bit longer to convince themselves he’s up to level - but if anyone needs reassurance they just need to speak to me. He’s already back to performing at least the level he was before his injury.”

Gareth Southgate gestures on the touchline during the World Cup 2018 qualifier between England and Slovakia. (Image: GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

Southgate had invited Butland to England team get togethers even during his long injury lay-off with a complicated fractured ankle.

But he insisted Hart had deserved his backing.

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He said last week: “Joe’s had a difficult start to the season with his club, that’s clear, but I’ve got complete trust in him for England. He has got competition but, with only three games gone this season, I don’t think at the moment anyone has played to a level to force us to make a change in that position on merit.

“The competition is good for all of them. It should inspire them all to perform at a high level.”